Adding Third-Party Steering Wheels to Your Rig
Table of Contents
Unlocking Compatibility: Integrating Third-Party Steering Wheels with Fanatec, Simagic, MOZA Racing, and Simucube
One of the most appealing aspects of sim racing is the ability to personalize setups and rigs. Depending on your existing hardware, third-party steering wheels can often be used across different ecosystems, whether it's Fanatec, Simagic, MOZA Racing, or Simucube.
Independently manufactured wheels that are not native to specific wheelbase ecosystems are referred to as third-party steering wheels. Cube Controls, Ascher Racing, Gomez Sim Industries, MOZA Racing, and Simagic wheels could all be considered third-party if they are paired with wheelbases from different manufacturers. Third-party wheels are typically designed with standardized bolt patterns 70mm or 50mm and connect to your PC via USB, or in some cases, Bluetooth. It’s important to note that wheels with integrated displays or extensive LED lighting typically require a direct wired connection for power, as Bluetooth alone often can't supply the necessary current.
This blog post serves as a guide to help you navigate the integration of third-party wheels with major sim racing direct drive wheel bases.
Fanatec
This manufacturer is known for making proprietary designs, so it may be difficult to integrate third-party wheels. To make sure you achieve full functionality, you would have to consider getting the Podium Hub or the Universal Hub. Without them, third-party wheels will not effectively communicate with Fanatec bases, resulting in the loss of force feedback and button functionalities.
The Fanatec Podium Hub allows you to mount third-party rims using the standard 6x70mm or 3x50mm bolt patterns. Additionally, it supports button functions and paddle modules.
On the other hand, the Fanatec Universal Hub can offer an alternative solution to the Podium Hub; it allows for adjustments to third-party wheels of any size.
If purchasing a Fanatec wheelbase, pairing a third-party steering wheel is indeed possible! Sim Racing Machines manufactures and sells emulators to ensure compatibility of Fanatec bases with different manufacturers' steering wheels.
Simagic
With Simagic, it becomes easier to integrate third-party wheels. This is mainly because the brand manufactures quick release systems, which support the industry-standard 70mm bolt pattern of steering wheels. Simagic offers the QR70 and QR50, depending on the third-party wheel.
Additionally, third-party wheels can be connected to your PC via USB or Bluetooth. And Simagic’s Maglink system enables GT Neo and Neo X Hub compatibility with third-party wheelbases.
But it's also important to note that all other Simagic wheels are ecosystem wheelbase-compatible only, meaning they will not work with 3rd party wheelbases. This is because they need to be connected to a Simagic wheelbase to ensure full functionality. Some examples include: FX, FX Pro, GTC, GT1, GT4, GT Hub and GT PRO K.
MOZA Racing
MOZA Racing offers a few options for third-wheel compatibility. For instance, the QR Adapter supports third-party wheels with a 6x70mm bolt pattern, which allows physical attachments to MOZA wheel bases. But it's important to consider that while third-party wheels can be mounted, some features like buttons and displays require separate USB or Bluetooth connections for PC connection because MOZA's wheel bases don't transmit data to non-MOZA wheels.
On the other hand, MOZA also offers the Universal Hub Kit, which enhances compatibility the other way around. The Hub Kit enables certain MOZA steering wheels to be used with other brands' wheel bases. These include the KS, FSR, TSW, Vision GS.
Simucube
By far the most flexible with third-party steering wheels, Simucube stands out for its extensive compatibility. With mounting flexibility, Simucube wheel bases support both 50.4mm and 70mm bolt patterns, accommodating a wide variety of steering wheels.
Simucube also manufactures its own quick release system. The Simucube SQR Hub allows secure attachment of third-party wheels, which can be connected directly to the PC via USB.
The Integration of Third-Party Steering Wheels: Final Thoughts
Overall, using third-party steering wheels may be a hassle depending on brand flexibility, but can also enhance your sim racing experience, offering personalized ergonomics and functionalities. It's important to understand compatibility depending on which third-party wheel you decide to integrate into your setup.
Factors like bolt patterns, quick-release systems, and USB or wireless connectivity all play a role in whether the wheel will work with your setup. Taking the time to research these details ensures a smoother integration and better performance on track!
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